Are you in or out?

As the end of December gets closer, I’ve started thinking about the things people do to prepare for a new year. After all, the date of January 1st alone seems to be pretty symbolic – it’s when all the holiday parties are over, when it’s time to return to work full-time again and when you decide whether or not those resolutions you made are worth even trying for when all is said and done. But for me, January 1st is also special for another reason – it’s when the infamous “In and Out” lists get published.

In honor of the “In and Out” lists that I enjoy reading so much on New Year’s Day (here’s to hoping that my beloved Ugg boots are back in again this year), I’ve compiled a list of what I’d like to see be back in this year and what I’d like to see move out. While I’m not a recognized authority on the latest trends, I am (in my own little world) on all things television, which is what my in and out list is focused on. With that, here is my list of characters who I’d like to see come back in this year and those who I’d like to see go back out.

Come Back! Jake Jaglieski on One Tree Hill
It’s not because I think Jake was the bee’s knees, or anything like that. It’s actually because the writers clearly have no idea what to do with Peyton now that he’s gone. I know there’s this whole sub-plot with her adoption going on, blah, blah, blah, but recent episodes have actually had poor Peyton talking to her subconscious. Can we say desperate?

Go Away! Chris Keller on One Tree Hill
Why? It’s pretty simple, actually. Because he (1) doesn’t go to school with these kids, (2) doesn’t live in Tree Hill and (3) generally has no purpose for being on the show, other than to give his portrayer Tyler Hilton what always seems to be a really forced opportunity to perform an overly-sappy love song that has nothing to do with the characters or the plot.

Come Back! Zack Stevens on The OC
Zack was such a nice guy – funny, thoughtful, considerate. I know he was the wedge that split up Seth and Summer in season two, but he was also the one who brought them back together in the end. And I’m not suggesting that Zack return to cause trouble, but isn’t a bit unusual that the whole Harbor gang NEVER runs into him? I mean, c’mon – last season, you could barely turn a corner without Zack being there. And really, Ryan and Seth need to hang out with more than just each other...those Newpsies may start to talk.

Go Away! Johnny Harper on The OC
Couldn’t we all see this coming? Of course Johnny was going to fall for Marissa. Just like in season one, when admirers included boyfriend Luke and freak Oliver. And in season two, where devotees included pointless DJ the yard guy and shock value bartender Alex. The same story continues over and over…isn’t there another obstacle that can be thrown at Marissa and Ryan to keep them interesting without it being another stalker?

Come Back! Polster on Laguna Beach
In my opinion, Polster never really got a fair shake on LB. He appeared briefly in season one, then again just as briefly in season two. And while I’m confused as to why cutie Polster never really got much screen time, I’m more confused as to why the Laguna girls were chasing Stephen, Dieter and Talan when Polster was there the whole time. Are they blind?

Go Away! Jessica on Laguna Beach
Where do I start with Jess? It’s hard to watch her, because we’ve all been there. But then it’s hard to stop, because it’s like looking at a car wreck – hard to turn away from. This past season, Jessica lost her pseudo-boyfriend Jason, her dignity in Cabo and any shred of respect just about anyone might have had for her. Some time away, so we can forget how laughable and pitiful she looked by the end of the season could only help.